Public Procurement Specialist – Utilities Sector

What you will do

As a tactical procurement specialist, you will play a key role in realising the organisation's strategic objectives through sustainable procurement. Your responsibilities include:

• Guide the procurement process from needs assessment through to award, after which the file is handed over to the internal client for execution follow-up
• Act as the point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding procurement files
• Think tactically about sustainable alternatives, optimisations, innovation and administrative simplification during execution, and convince internal clients of the added value
• Work with value creation for the internal client and socially responsible business as your starting point
• Ensure your procurement planning is aligned with the procurement strategy
• Analyse and evaluate tenders and conduct negotiations
• Work in accordance with public procurement legislation
• Monitor market developments and suggest optimisations to procurement and procurement procedures

Together with your colleagues, you will manage the department's procurement planning. Within this framework, you are responsible for drawing up your own procurement planning and determining the procurement strategy for each file in consultation with your internal clients. You report the status periodically to the procurement manager.

The procurement portfolio covers a broad range including supplies, services and works.

What we are looking for

Essential requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or higher
• At least 10 years of experience as a tactical procurement specialist
• Experience with public procurement, tendering procedures and/or contract management
• Good knowledge of MS Office; knowledge and/or experience with ERP systems (SAP) is an advantage
• Knowledge of public procurement legislation
• Fluent Dutch (written and spoken, C2 level)
• Ability to travel easily to the work locations in the Antwerp region

Personal qualities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills at different levels, with the ability to adapt your approach to the target audience
• Ability to work in a project-based manner, show flexibility in setting priorities, handle deadlines and quickly familiarise yourself with new IT tools
• Client-oriented attitude but able to show assertiveness when necessary
• Proactive, forward-thinking with strong analytical and organisational skills
• Able to switch quickly between working independently and working in a team
• Methodical and structured working style with a process-oriented and proactive approach

The setting

This assignment runs from November 2026 to the end of December 2026, with approximately 200 hours of work. The role is based at offices in the Antwerp region, with the possibility of partial remote work.

The working language is Dutch.